Got the new (2002) 2WD up on a lift. It was remarkably clean except these two things on the front end. A boot if some sort and something else on the same thing but to the right, looks like a bushing or something. What are they, and how do I fix it?

Boot: Imgur: The magic of the Internet


Other thing: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Hey that would be your rack and pinion for your steering. That's not great news having it open. The accordions are the boots, and they are absolutely shot. If you're lucky the pinion itself is hopefully not leaking: how does your steering feel? Any slop in turning the steering wheel? if you grab a wheel is there wiggle?

At the least you'll want to replace the boots and then get an alignment but depending on how long it's been run open you're going to want to replace the whole rack and pinion.

I also see that the rack and pinion bushing is sliding out, you'll need to replace those too.

Either way: take care of it or have it taken care of since it has to do with your steering.

No slip in the wheel, but the steering wheel isn’t aligned straight, if that makes sense. The wheel looks like it’s turning a little right when driving straight.

Look like the rack and pinion is about $220, does that sound right? How difficult is the installation? Wondering if I should try it or pay a mechanic to take care of it.

Maybe I missed it. Is the rack leaking? If not, just put on new boots and fix that bushing...

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Ok thank you! Is that a relatively easy replacement? I’ve never worked on a steering rack before.

These may help. @mtbtim is a huge asset to the T4R community. If you have the tools it doesn't really appear to be that difficult. Definitely take it to someone to get it re-aligned after doing the work.

Steering Rack and Front Sway Bar Bushing Replacement Tutorial - YouTube

Toyota 4Runner Steering Rack Replacement - YouTube

Thanks. I think I’ll call my mechanic after the holiday and get a quote to install the rack, and sway bar bushings.

That's probably for an aftermarket rack. You'll want a Toyota rack which will be more like $500 or $600 and I think the part number is in Tim's video if you end up changing the rack.


I'd start with Brillo's suggestion and replace the boots and bushings. No need to replace the rack if it's not leaking.

Is this the correct bushing? It says 4WD but has a similar part number as their website, but has an R at the end of the product number.

Energy Suspension - 8.10103R 4WD RACK & PINION BUSHING SET https://a.co/d/eDhM17U

I would order the exact part number from their website and I'm pretty sure that the R only stands for red vs black. I took a closer look at your pictures and that is some very odd damage to the boots and bushing. Any chance the rack was worked on by the PO? I'm wondering if he got the splines of the steering shaft off one tooth which would explain your steering wheel not straight. I'm pretty sure that Tim explains this better in the video. Start with boots, bushing and alignment and if the steering wheel is still not straight then this might be cause of your steering wheel issue.

That looks bad. I think your rack is leaking and the fluid has eaten through the steering rack boots.

Steering racks are not really serviceable. I do not recommend trying to remove and rebuild the steering rack yourself as it will most likely still leak after all the work you'll end up doing. The fluid is under very high pressure and does not tolerate any mistakes. You can try replacing with an aftermarket rack as I realize the Toyota rack is rather spendy but the Toyota one will last much much longer, I can promise you that.

It is not a simple job as the bolts that hold it in are held in place with very strong force. If you have air tools or a high powered impact wrench then you should be able to get it off. The steering parts like the outer tie rods are also jammed in place very tight and can be difficult to remove as well. It's doable in a garage as I've done it myself but was equipped with an impact wrench and a 24" in breaker bar with another 36" cheater bar for 5 feet of leverage and that's with no rust. If you have rust on the bolts it'll be tougher. Not trying to scare you away by any means but if you do not have the right tools you will not be able to complete this job. And if you have to buy $400 in tools to do a job, might as well pay $400 for someone to do it for you.

The boots you need pull the tie rod ends off to put new one. Or take the inner tie rod offs to get them on.. Then get it realigned.

Tim has videos on how to change tie rod. Steering rack etc, in the sticky section. :-)

Not for nothing, Jerod but the first big job I did on my own 4Runner was LBJs and between a jack, jack stands, front-end service kit, and impact wrench, I spent well over $400. I was willing to learn and tackle countless jobs after that using those tools, so they've more than paid for themselves since.


But those were gateway tools. They should have been free.

Oh for sure. I've also spent at least as much from tools over the past 15 years or so of fixing cars myself, though most of my tools are hand tools and not power tools. The steering rack can be a very tough job for a first time DIYer. I did it on my own the first time but really struggled. Then last year did it on a friend's 4Runner and we struggled even more. The center bolt in the middle of the rack would not budge. No amount of power from the impact wrench or the breaker bar would get that sucker loose. We eventually strung enough tools together and the dude can bench press near 300 lbs so he got it loose. Maybe it had been overtightened by a shop at some point and was a fluke, but that's 2 out of 2 for this job being harder than expected.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Dropping off the runner Friday for repair. I bought the rack and bushings online, and my mechanic is charging $500 for labor, including new fluids and an alignment. So, under 1k for piece of mind and new rack.